Markets & Finance

Canada Shares Edge Lower

Europe stocks finished lower. London's FTSE 100 closed off 40.10 points, or 0.78%, to 5,125.50 even though the CIPS index of manufacturing climbed to 53.4 in April from 50.6 in March, the fastest growth in 2-1/2 years and the third consecutive monthly gain.

Markets were closed in Germany and France in observance of the May Day holiday.

Asia stocks finished higher. Japan's Nikkei 225 Index was up 60.25 points, or 0.52%, to 11,552.79 led by shares of banks and companies with strong earnings prospects. Hong Kong's market was closed in observance of Labour Day.